Parents' Guide to

Harriet the Spy

By Stephany Aulenback, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Great young sleuth helps kids be true to themselves.

Book Louise Fitzhugh Humor 1964
Harriet the Spy Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 11+

Based on 7 parent reviews

michugalug
michugalug Parent of 4 and 8-year-old
April 10, 2009
age 9+

Definately not a role model

I don't like the things Harriet says and the way she thinks about people, even saying her own mother his dumb. She refers to people as fat as well. This is not proper or kind and not accepted in our household.
2 people found this helpful.
goodrichc
goodrichc Parent of 12-year-old
August 27, 2022
age 13+
Curse words present The child cusses at her parents and says some terrible things. Not a good role model.
See all 7 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Harriet's in trouble when her classmates read about themselves in her secret notebook. When they start a Spy Catchers' Club -- and guess who's not invited to join -- Harriet turns to her nanny for help. Kids might not like the idea of Harriet writing about them, but they'll certainly enjoy reading what she has to say about everybody in her world!

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (7 ):
Kids say (12 ):

This book is honest in its portrayal of the desperation and loneliness Harriet feels -- first, when her nanny leaves her and, later, when her friends turn against her. Girls, in particular, will identify with Harriet's strong drive to be true to herself in this longtime children's favorite.

Best of all, while HARRIET THE SPY deals with tough problems, such as how to deal with peer rejection and how to carry on without a beloved friend, it also manages, thanks to author Louise Fitzhugh's keen sense of the ridiculous, to be cheerful and often hilarious. Readers may even be inspired to start keeping their own notebooks -- though they shouldn't be so zealous as she is.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the benefits of recording your thoughts and observations about the world around you in a journal that's meant for your eyes only. Are there things you'd write down on paper privately that you'd never say in public?

  • If someone did happen to find your notebook and read it, would there be things in it that might hurt other people? How would you explain your actions?

  • What other girl detective stories have you read? Why do you think they're so popular?

Book Details

  • Author: Louise Fitzhugh
  • Genre: Humor
  • Book type: Fiction
  • Publisher: Yearling Books
  • Publication date: October 1, 1964
  • Publisher's recommended age(s): 9 - 12
  • Number of pages: 298
  • Last updated: July 12, 2017

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